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Dame's Violet Wikimedia Commons
Brassicaceae

Dame's Violet

Hesperis matronalis

Deceit and enchantment.

Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Hesperis
Native to
Europe, Central Asia
Bloom season
Late Spring, Summer
Type
Biennial/Short-lived perennial
Height
60-120 cm
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Soil
Moist, well-drained, neutral to alkaline
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
3-8
Lifespan
Biennial

Did you know

  • The fragrance intensifies dramatically in the evening, which is reflected in its genus name Hesperis meaning 'evening'.
  • Marie Antoinette was reportedly fond of dame's violet and had it planted in her gardens at Versailles.
  • Although a member of the cabbage family, it closely resembles garden phlox from a distance.
  • Dame's violet is now classified as invasive in parts of North America and is banned in some states.
  • The four-petaled flowers distinguish it from phlox, which has five petals.

Color meanings

0

Hesitation

1

Evening beauty

2

Fascination

Uses

  • Cottage garden
  • Fragrance garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Cut flower